Tool Attachment for Raking Mortar Joints

ABSTRACT

An apparatus configured to be mounted to a power tool includes a hollow shaft configured to surround an operating element of the power tool; a substantially flat sled, in which a bottom surface of the sled is configured to interface with a working surface; and a guidance fin protruding from the bottom surface of the sled, wherein the guidance fin is configured to guide the apparatus along an operating path. The apparatus may include at least one vacuum port attachment, which can be mounted to a top surface of the sled and/or may be built into a support member of the apparatus. The apparatus may include a clamp configured to mount the apparatus to the power tool. The power tool can be a rotary hammer drill.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/108,954, filed on Aug. 22, 2018, which claims the benefit of priorityunder 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/708,336, filed on Dec. 4, 2017, the entire contents of which areincorporated herewith by reference.

BACKGROUND

This description relates to a tool attachment for raking mortar joints.Raking mortar joints is a typical step in repointing structures and canbe useful for increasing the lifetime and structural integrity of brickbuildings, stone walls, and other masonry constructed structures.

In masonry, structures are generally built from individual units heldtogether by hardened mortar. For example, a brick building is a masonryconstructed structure in which the bricks (the individual units) areheld together by a mixture of water, sand, and cement (the mortar). Thespace between the individual units that is filled or intended to befilled with mortar is called a mortar joint. With the passage of time,mortar can deteriorate, weaken, become damaged, etc.

SUMMARY

The apparatus, systems, and techniques described herein can aidindividuals such as masons, construction workers, homeowners etc. withjoint raking. An attachment for a power tool, such as a powered rotaryhammer drill, may increase control of the power tool by stabilizing andguiding the tool during a joint raking operation. By providing usersbetter control of the power tool, the attachment enables users to removemortar with reduced fatigue, fine dust particles, and damage toindividual units of a masonry constructed structure compared toconventional apparatuses, systems, and techniques for repointing.

In one aspect, an apparatus configured to be mounted to a power toolincludes a hollow shaft configured to surround an operating element ofthe power tool; a substantially flat sled, in which a bottom surface ofthe sled is configured to interface with a working surface; and aguidance fin protruding from the bottom surface of the sled, wherein theguidance fin is configured to guide the apparatus along an operatingpath.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Theguidance fin may protrude substantially perpendicularly from the bottomsurface of the sled, may be configured to fit into a mortar joint,and/or may have a width that is less than a width of the operatingelement of the power tool. The power tool can be a rotary hammer drill.The hollow shaft can be oriented at an acute or an obtuse angle relativeto the sled. At least one edge of the substantially flat sled may beconfigured to curve away from the working surface. The apparatus can beconfigured to rotate relative to the power tool about a longitudinalaxis of the hollow shaft. A dimension of at least one of the hollowshaft, the sled, and the guidance fin can be adjustable. A front aspectof a distal end of the hollow shaft may have a cutout. A front aspect ofthe sled may be bifurcated. The apparatus may include at least onevacuum port attachment, which can be mounted to a top surface of thesled and/or may be built into a support member of the apparatus. Theapparatus may include a clamp configured to mount the apparatus to thepower tool. The clamp, which can be a split collar clamp, may beconfigured to interface with a chuck of the power tool and may have acam-operated tightening mechanism. The apparatus can be configured torotate relative to the power tool about a longitudinal axis of thehollow shaft only when the clamp is in an unlocked configuration. Theclamp can include at least one locator feature for locating at least onepredetermined position of the apparatus, and the least one locatorfeature may be a ball detent.

In another aspect, a system includes a power tool with an operatingelement; a hollow shaft configured to surround the operating element; asubstantially flat sled, wherein a bottom surface of the sled isconfigured to interface with a working surface; and a guidance finprotruding perpendicularly from the bottom surface of the sled, whereinthe guidance fin is configured to guide the apparatus along an operatingpath.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Thehollow shaft and/or the sled may be irremovable from the power tool. Theguidance fin may protrude substantially perpendicularly from the bottomsurface of the sled, may be configured to fit into a mortar joint,and/or may have a width that is less than a width of the operatingelement of the power tool. The power tool can be a rotary hammer drill.The hollow shaft can be oriented at an acute or an obtuse angle relativeto the sled. At least one edge of the substantially flat sled may beconfigured to curve away from the working surface. The sled can beconfigured to rotate relative to the power tool about a longitudinalaxis of the hollow shaft. A dimension of at least one of the hollowshaft, the sled, and the guidance fin can be adjustable. A front aspectof a distal end of the hollow shaft may have a cutout. A front aspect ofthe sled may be bifurcated. The system may include at least one vacuumport attachment, which can be mounted to a top surface of the sledand/or may be built into a support member of the system.

In another aspect, an apparatus that is configured to be rotatablymounted to a power tool includes a hollow shaft, a substantially flatsled, a guidance fin, at least one vacuum port attachment, and a splitcollar clamp. The hollow shaft is configured to surround an operatingelement of the power tool, and a front aspect of a distal end of thehollow shaft has a cutout. The sled is oriented at an acute anglerelative to the hollow shaft. A front aspect of the sled is bifurcatedand a bottom surface of the sled is configured to interface with aworking surface. The guidance fin protrudes substantiallyperpendicularly from the bottom surface of the sled and has a width thatis less than a width of the operating element of the power tool. Theguidance fin is configured to fit inside a mortar joint and guide theapparatus along an operating path. The at least one vacuum portattachment is built into a support member of the apparatus. The splitcollar clamp is configured to interface with a chuck of the power tool.The clamp has a cam-operated tightening mechanism and at least onelocator feature for locating at least one predetermined position of theapparatus. The apparatus is configured to rotate relative to the powertool about a longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft.

These and other aspects, features, and various combinations may beexpressed as apparatuses, systems, methods, means for performingfunctions, etc.

Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description andthe claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a rotary hammer drill with a jointraking tool attachment.

FIG. 2A is a side perspective view of a joint raking tool attachment.

FIG. 2B is a side view of a joint raking tool attachment.

FIG. 2C is a front view of a joint raking tool attachment.

FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of a joint raking tool attachmentwith dual vacuum ports.

FIG. 3B is a side view of a joint raking tool attachment with a singlevacuum port.

FIG. 4A is a bottom view of a split collar clamp.

FIG. 4B is a side view of a split collar clamp.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a split collar clamp.

FIG. 5A is a magnified bottom perspective view of a split collar clamp.

FIG. 5B is a magnified view of a joint raking tool attachment.

FIGS. 6A-C illustrate adjustable configurations of a rotary hammer drillwith a joint raking tool attachment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In masonry, mortar is used for the spacing of individual units, adheringthe individual units, and maintaining the structural integrity of themasonry constructed structure. Over time, the mortar in a masonryconstructed structure can deteriorate at a rate dependent on factorsincluding pollution, moisture, material selection, and workmanshipquality. In some cases, to increase the lifetime and structuralintegrity of masonry constructed structures, damaged mortar is removedfrom mortar joints and replaced with fresh mortar through a processcalled repointing. The removal of the mortar from the mortar joints iscommonly referred to as joint raking.

Conventional tools used for joint raking include hand tools poweredsolely by manual labor such as masonry mash hammers and chisels. The useof these hand tools may be tiring, may limit the rate at which jointraking can be completed, and may generate unsafe or undesired quantitiesof fine dust as the mortar is removed. The use of power tools such aspower saws and grinders can reduce user fatigue and increase the rate ofmortar removal compared to the use of hand tools powered solely bymanual labor. However, conventional power tools used for joint rakingmay cause damage to the individual units due to lack of control, mayprovide cuts of non-uniform depth, and may generate large quantities ofunsafe or undesired fine dust as the mortar is removed. Consequently,there is a need for tools and tool attachments that enable rapid andwell-controlled joint raking with minimal damage to the individual unitsand reduced generation of fine dust particles.

Here, we describe, among other things, a tool attachment that can beused in combination with power tools (e.g. a rotary hammer drill) toassist users in performing tasks such as joint raking. Users mayinclude, but are not limited to, masons, construction workers,homeowners, and any other persons responsible for maintaining a masonryconstructed structure.

We use the term “power tool” broadly to include, for example, anycombination of hardware or software components or both that is used tocarry out a particular function and has a power source other than puremanual labor. Examples of power tools include, but are not limited to,rotary hammer drills, hammer drills, electric grinders, power saws, andpower sanders.

We use the term “joint raking” broadly to include, for example, anyremoval of mortar or other material from a mortar joint. In some cases,mortar may be removed from the mortar joint because it has been damagedor deteriorated due to factors such as pollution, moisture, materialselection, and workmanship quality.

We use the term “mortar joint” broadly to include, for example, anyspace between individual units in a constructed structure such as amasonry constructed structure. In some cases, the individual units maycomprise bricks, stones, concrete blocks, cast stone, glass block,adobe, or any combination of them. In some cases, the mortar maycomprise a mixture of water, sand, polymers, lime, pozzolana, or anycombination of them, among other things.

FIG. 1 illustrates a joint raking system 100 configured to assist a userin removing mortar from a mortar joint. The joint raking system 100includes a joint raking tool attachment 102 mounted to a rotary hammerdrill 104. The joint raking tool attachment 102 is highlighted by adashed box 103. The rotary hammer drill 104 can include two handles106A-B for a user to hold, a switch 108 for changing an operating modeof the rotary hammer drill 104, a trigger 110 for enabling operation ofthe rotary hammer drill 104, and an operating bit 120 that, duringoperation, interfaces with a working surface. In some cases, theoperating bit 120 may be a drill bit, a chisel bit, etc. ranging fromabout 1/32″ to about 3″ in diameter or width. In some cases, theoperating bit 120 may be made of steel (e.g. carbon steel, high speedsteel, etc.) and may optionally be coated with cobalt, titanium, orzirconium, among other materials.

The joint raking tool attachment 102 comprises a hollow shaft 112 thatsubstantially surrounds the operating bit 120 of the rotary hammer drill104 and is mounted, at a proximal end, to the rotary hammer drill 104via a split collar clamp 114 (e.g., mounted to a chuck of the rotaryhammer). At a front aspect of a distal end of the hollow shaft 112 acutout 118 partially exposes a tip of the operating bit 120 of therotary hammer drill 104. The joint raking tool attachment 102 furtherincludes a sled 116 that, during a joint raking operation, interfaceswith the working surface. The joint raking tool attachment 102 and thesplit collar clamp 114 are later described in relation to FIGS. 2-6.

While a rotary hammer drill is depicted in FIG. 1, in some cases, thejoint raking tool attachment 102 can be attached to other kinds of powertools such as a handheld power drill or a hammer drill. In someimplementations, a rotary hammer drill is used for joint raking becausethe motion and small cross-sectional area of the operating bit 120enables finer control of mortar removal from tight mortar joints andproduces debris with larger particle diameter (e.g. on the order of 0.25cm to 5 cm) than conventionally used power tools such as electricgrinders and circular power saws. In some cases, the quantity andaverage particle diameter of debris is larger than at least oneregulated threshold (e.g. a threshold established by silica laws).

Referring to FIGS. 2A-C, the joint raking tool attachment 102 isisolated from the rotary hammer drill 104 and shown in greater detail.FIG. 2A illustrates a side perspective view, FIG. 2B illustrates a sideview, and FIG. 2C illustrates a front view of the joint raking toolattachment 102. In FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the split collar clamp 114 isdepicted mounted to the proximal end of the hollow shaft 112, providinga means for attaching the joint raking tool attachment 102 to the chuckof the rotary hammer drill 104.

When the joint raking tool attachment 102 is mounted to the rotaryhammer drill 104, the hollow shaft 112 is configured to extendlongitudinally along the axis of the operating bit 120 and substantiallysurround the operating bit 120. At the distal end of the hollow shaft,the cutout 118 is configured to expose a distal tip of the operating bit120, enabling the operating bit 120 to interface with a working surfacesuch as a brick wall. The hollow shaft 112 provides protection to theuser, for example, by limiting unintentional user contact with theoperating bit 120. In addition, the hollow shaft 112 partially definesan operating depth (e.g. a cutting depth) of the operating bit 120 bylimiting the exposed length of the operating bit 120.

The joint raking tool attachment 102 further includes a sled 116,attached to the hollow shaft 112, and configured to interface with theworking surface. During a joint raking operation, a substantially flatbottom surface of the sled 116 is configured to lay flush against theworking surface, partially defining the operating depth of the operatingbit 120. While the bottom surface of the sled 116 is substantially flat,in some cases, the edges of the sled 116 may be configured to curve awayfrom the working surface to smoothly guide the joint raking system 100along the working surface and reduce wear of the sled 116. In somecases, the bottom surface of the sled 116 may be textured (e.g. withpatterns or designs carved in) to provide better traction with theworking surface and prevent debris from getting trapped underneath thesled 116. In some cases, a front aspect of the sled 116 may bebifurcated (e.g. into bifurcated halves 204A, 204B) to expose anoperating path of the operating bit 120. This exposure may providevisual feedback to a user to assist in guiding the joint raking system100 and may prevent debris from getting trapped underneath the sled 116.

In some cases, the sled 116 forms an acute angle with the hollow shaft112. The acute angle may contribute to reduced user fatigue, since asthe user pushes the joint raking system 100 against the working surface,a component force substantially parallel to the working surface assistsin guiding the joint raking system 100 along an intended operating path.In some cases, a support member 202 may be included between the sled 116and the hollow shaft 112 so that their relative positions do notsubstantially change when a user pushes the joint raking system 100against the working surface. While the sled 116 and the hollow shaft 112form an acute angle in FIGS. 2A-C, it is understood that in someimplementations the sled 116 and the hollow shaft 112 may also beconfigured to form a right angle or an obtuse angle.

As previously described, the operating depth (e.g. the cutting depth) ofthe operating bit is partially defined by the hollow shaft 112 and thesled 116. For joint raking implementations, a desired operating depthmay be approximately 2.5 times a width of the mortar joint. In somecases, the operating depth of a joint raking system (e.g. joint rakingsystem 100) can be adjusted by replacing the joint raking toolattachment 102 with another joint raking tool attachment having a hollowshaft of a different length. In some cases, the hollow shaft 112 of thejoint raking tool attachment 102 may have an adjustable length, enablinga single joint raking tool attachment 102 to allow for various operatingdepths. In some cases, the operating depth can be adjusted byrepositioning the sled 116 at different points along the length of thehollow shaft 112.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the joint raking tool attachment 102 canfurther include a guidance fin 206 protruding from the bottom surface ofthe sled 116. In some cases, the guidance fin 206 can protrudesubstantially perpendicularly from the bottom surface of the sled 116.In some cases, other angles may be use. During a joint raking operation,the guidance fin 206 is configured to sit within the mortar joint,preventing the power tool from unintentionally exiting the mortar jointand causing damage to the individual units of the masonry constructedstructure. In some cases, the guidance fin 206 is filleted and has awidth less than the width of the operating bit 120 to prevent theguidance fin 206 from binding within the mortar joint. In some cases,the guidance fin 206 is of an appropriate length to support a portion ofthe normal load of the joint raking system 100 during operation,effectively reducing the load the user must support. In some cases,other geometries of the guidance fin 206 may be implemented. While asingle guidance fin 206 is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, it is understoodthat in some implementations, the joint raking tool attachment 102 maycomprise a plurality of guidance fins. For example, in some cases, thejoint raking tool attachment 102 may comprise two guidance fins alignedsubstantially parallel to each other or having their leading edges incontact (e.g. to have a geometry such as a two-bladed snow plow).

In some implementations, dimensions of the hollow shaft 112, the sled116, the guidance fin 206, or any combination of them may be adjustable.For example, in some cases, the hollow shaft 112 can telescope to adifferent length. In some cases, the sled 116 can be lengthened orshortened to adjust an area that interfaces with the working surface. Insome cases, the guidance fin 206 may have an adjustable length, ordepth, or both.

The sled 116, the guidance fin 206, or both can be made of metals suchas steel so that they are durable against wear. In some cases, the sled116, the guidance fin 206, or both can be made of plastic, a combinationof materials, etc. and may be replaced (e.g., to address wear and tear,to interface with different types of work surfaces, etc.) In some cases,the sled 116, the guidance fin 206, or both can be coated withwear-resistant materials such as chromes, carbides, ceramics, epoxies,teflons, diamond, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in some implementations, the joint rakingtool attachment 102 may include features to provide other functionality.For example, one or more vacuum ports may be included, which mayinterface with a vacuum device to capture debris during a joint rakingoperation. In some cases, the amount of debris captured is sufficient tobe compliant with a regulated threshold (e.g. a threshold established bysilica laws). One or more blowers may be employed in someimplementations, with or without the use of vacuum ports. In stillanother example, a liquids may be introduced (e.g. one or more jetsprays that introduce water streams into the operating path of theoperating bit 120).

FIG. 3A illustrates a configuration of the joint raking tool attachment102 with dual vacuum ports 302A, 302B. In this configuration, the dualvacuum ports 302A, 302B are mounted symmetrically on a top surface ofthe sled 116, with each vacuum port resting on one of two bifurcatedhalves 204A, 204B of the sled 116. The openings of the vacuum ports302A, 302B are configured to be proximal to an interface of theoperating bit 120 and the working surface during a joint rakingoperation in order to improve the capture of debris. In some cases, thedual vacuum ports 302A, 302B may be mounted to the sled 116 using sprungsteel clips, fasteners, etc. to allow for one or both of the vacuumports 302A, 302B to be removed. In some cases, the vacuum ports may beirremovably mounted to the sled 116. While the bifurcated halves 204A,204B of the sled 116 are depicted with equivalent geometries anddimensions, it is understood that in some cases, they may be asymmetric.For example, in some cases, the degree of curvature of the leading edgesof the bifurcated halves 204A, 204B can be different or the length ofeach of the bifurcated halves 204A, 204B can be different.

FIG. 3B illustrates a configuration of the joint raking tool attachment102 with a single vacuum port 304. In this configuration, the vacuumport is built into support member 202 and extends into the hollow shaft112. Again, the opening of the vacuum port 304 is configured to beproximal to an interface of the operating bit 120 and the workingsurface during a joint raking operation in order to improve the captureof debris.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-C, the split collar clamp 114 is isolated andshown from multiple perspectives. FIG. 4A illustrates a bottom view,FIG. 4B illustrates a side view, and FIG. 4C illustrates a perspectiveview of the split collar clamp 114.

In this implementation, the split collar clamp 114 is a dual clamp thatattaches the joint raking tool attachment 102 to the rotary hammer drill104. A power tool half 402 of the split collar clamp 114 mounts to therotary hammer drill 104 (e.g. to the chuck of the rotary hammer drill)with a threaded fastener threading across a split axis 406 to tightenthe clamp. A tool attachment half 404 of the split collar clamp 114mounts to the proximal end of the hollow shaft 112 of the joint rakingtool attachment 102 with a threaded fastener threading across the splitaxis 406 to tighten the clamp. The tool attachment half 404 of the splitcollar clamp 114 further tightens via the use of a cam handle 408. Insome cases, the cam handle 408 can be considered a cam-operatedtightening mechanism.

FIG. 4A illustrates the cam handle 408 in an unlocked configuration, inwhich the tool attachment half 404 of the split collar clamp 114 isloosened such that the joint raking tool attachment 102 would be able torotate relative to the split collar clamp 114. FIG. 4B illustrates thecam handle 408 in a locked configuration, in which the tool attachmenthalf 404 of the split collar clamp 114 is tightened such that the jointraking tool attachment 102 would be unable to rotate relative to thesplit collar clamp 114. In some implementations, the cam handle 108 canbe designed so that in the locked configuration, the handle does notprotrude substantially from the surface of the split collar clamp 114,thus preventing accidental displacement of the cam handle 108 whileoperating the joint raking system 100. When the cam handle 108 is in alocked configuration, the split collar clamp 114 is also considered tobe in a locked configuration. Similarly, when the cam handle 108 is inan unlocked configuration, the split collar clamp 114 is also consideredto be in an unlocked configuration.

Referring to FIG. 4C, in some implementations, the split collar clamp114 may further comprise ball detents 410A, 410B for locating one ormore predetermined rotation positions of the joint raking toolattachment 102. The use of ball detents 410A, 410B for locatingpredetermined rotation positions of the joint raking tool attachment 102are described in relation to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6. While ball detents aredescribed, other types of locating features may be employed. Forexample, a visual indicator on both the split collar clamp 114 and thehollow shaft 112 may be included for alignment, or keyhole-likegeometries which may constrain the joint raking tool attachment 102 tospecific positions. In some cases, no locating features may be used,allowing the joint raking tool attachment 102 to lock into any rotationposition relative to the rotary hammer drill 104.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the ball detents 410A, 410B protrude intoan inner surface of the split collar clamp 114. The proximal end of thehollow shaft 112 is inserted into the split collar clamp 114 and isstopped when a proximal edge 504 comes into contact with an inner lip502 of the split collar clamp 114. At this depth, one ball detent 410Ais in line with locator features 508A, 508B on the hollow shaft 112, andanother ball detent 410B is in line with a guidance groove 506 on thehollow shaft 112. While the split collar clamp 114 is in an unlockedconfiguration, the hollow shaft 112 is free to rotate about itslongitudinal axis and provides tactile feedback to the user wheneverball detent 410A locates a locator feature (e.g. locator features 508A,508B). When the user feels the tactile feedback, the user can tightenthe split collar clamp 114 into a locked configuration such that thehollow shaft 112 is unable to rotate about its longitudinal axis. Insome implementations, locator features may be spaced out at 90 degreeintervals. While 90 degree intervals are depicted, it is understood thatany number of locator features may be used, and the locator features maybe spaced out at any intervals, including uneven intervals.

FIGS. 6A-C illustrates predetermined rotation positions of the jointraking tool attachment 102 relative to the rotary hammer drill 104 inaccordance with locator features (e.g. locator features 508A, 508B)spaced out at 90 degree intervals. In FIG. 6A, a first configuration600A represents the joint raking tool attachment 102 being rotated 90degrees clockwise about the longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft 112.In FIG. 6B, a second configuration 600B represents the joint raking toolattachment 102 being rotated 0 degrees about the longitudinal axis ofthe hollow shaft 112. In FIG. 6C, a third configuration 600C representsthe joint raking tool attachment 102 being rotated 90 degreescounterclockwise about the longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft 112. Torotate the joint raking tool attachment 102 relative to the rotaryhammer drill 104, a user simply unlocks the split collar clamp 114,rotates the joint raking tool attachment 102 to a desired position, andlocks the split collar clamp 114 to fix the joint raking tool attachmentin place. This rotational feature enables adjustment for bothleft-handed and right-handed users and allows a single user toperiodically switch between left-handed and right-handed orientations toreduce fatigue. Furthermore, by allowing for rotation of the jointraking tool attachment 102 at 90 degree intervals, the joint rakingsystem 100 is useful for removing mortar from both horizontal andvertical mortar joints.

While a tool attachment is described, in some cases, a dedicated powertool may also be used, comprising similar features to the toolattachment, but in an irremovable configuration. For example, the hollowshaft 112 may be permanently fixed to the operating element of the powertool or could be a continuous piece of material. In such an embodiment,a connecting feature such as the split collar clamp 114 would not berequired.

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will beunderstood that various modifications can be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the apparatus, systems, and techniques describedherein. In addition, other components can be added to, or removed from,the described apparatus and systems. Accordingly, other embodiments arewithin the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus configured to be mounted to a powertool, the apparatus comprising: a hollow shaft configured to surround anoperating element of the power tool; a substantially flat sled, whereina bottom surface of the sled is configured to interface with a workingsurface; and a guidance fin protruding from the bottom surface of thesled, wherein the guidance fin is configured to guide the apparatusalong an operating path.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theguidance fin protrudes substantially perpendicularly from the bottomsurface of the sled.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the guidancefin is configured to fit into a mortar joint.
 4. The apparatus of claim1, wherein a width of the guidance fin is less than a width of theoperating element of the power tool.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the power tool is a rotary hammer drill.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the hollow shaft is oriented at an acute angle relativeto the sled.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one edge ofthe substantially flat sled is configured to curve away from the workingsurface.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus isconfigured to rotate relative to the power tool about a longitudinalaxis of the hollow shaft.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein adimension of at least one of the hollow shaft, the sled, and theguidance fin is adjustable.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein afront aspect of a distal end of the hollow shaft has a cutout.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein a front aspect of the sled is bifurcated.12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one vacuumport attachment.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least onevacuum port attachment is built into a support member of the apparatus.14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a clamp configured tomount the apparatus to the power tool.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14,wherein the clamp is configured to interface with a chuck of the powertool.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the clamp is a split collarclamp.
 17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the clamp has acam-operated tightening mechanism.
 18. The apparatus of claim 14,wherein the clamp comprises at least one locator feature for locating atleast one predetermined position of the apparatus.
 19. A systemcomprising: a power tool with an operating element; a hollow shaftconfigured to surround the operating element; a substantially flat sled,wherein a bottom surface of the sled is configured to interface with aworking surface; and a guidance fin protruding perpendicularly from thebottom surface of the sled, wherein the guidance fin is configured toguide the apparatus along an operating path.
 20. The system of claim 19,wherein the hollow shaft and the sled are irremovable from the powertool.
 21. The system of claim 19, wherein the guidance fin protrudessubstantially perpendicularly from the bottom surface of the sled. 22.The system of claim 19, wherein a width of the guidance fin is less thana width of the operating element of the power tool.
 23. The system ofclaim 19, wherein the power tool is a rotary hammer drill.
 24. Thesystem of claim 19, wherein the hollow shaft is oriented at an acuteangle relative to the sled.
 25. The system of claim 19, wherein the sledis configured to rotate relative to the power tool about a longitudinalaxis of the hollow shaft.
 26. The system of claim 19, wherein adimension of at least one of the hollow shaft, the sled, and theguidance fin is adjustable.
 27. The system of claim 19, wherein a frontaspect of a distal end of the hollow shaft has a cutout.
 28. The systemof claim 19, wherein a front aspect of the sled is bifurcated.
 29. Thesystem of claim 19, further comprising at least one vacuum portattachment.
 30. An apparatus configured to be rotatably mounted to apower tool, the apparatus comprising: a hollow shaft configured tosurround an operating element of the power tool, a front aspect of adistal end of the hollow shaft having a cutout; a substantially flatsled oriented at an acute angle relative to the hollow shaft, wherein afront aspect of the sled is bifurcated and a bottom surface of the sledis configured to interface with a working surface; a guidance finprotruding substantially perpendicularly from the bottom surface of thesled and having a width that is less than a width of the operatingelement of the power tool, the guidance fin configured to fit inside amortar joint and guide the apparatus along an operating path; at leastone vacuum port attachment built into a support member of the apparatus;and a split collar clamp configured to interface with a chuck of thepower tool, the clamp having a cam-operated tightening mechanism and atleast one locator feature for locating at least one predeterminedposition of the apparatus; wherein the apparatus is configured to rotaterelative to the power tool about a longitudinal axis of the hollowshaft.